8.1
But when it snows without stopping, don’t attempt it, since the tracks are covered; nor when there is a high wind, since they are buried in the snowdrifts it causes.
8.2
On no account have the hounds out with you for this kind of sport, for the snow freezes their noses and feet, and destroys the scent of the hare owing to the hard frost. But take the hayes, and go with a companion to the mountains, passing over the cultivated land, and as soon as the tracks are found, follow them.
8.3
If they are complicated, go back from the same ones to the same place and work round in circles and examine them, trying to find where they lead. The hare roams about uncertain where to rest, and, moreover, it is her habit to be tricky in her movements, because she is constantly being pursued in this manner.
8.4
As soon as the track is clear, push straight ahead. It will lead either to a thickly wooded spot or to a steep declivity. For the gusts of wind carry the snow over such places; consequently many resting-places are left, and she looks for one of these.
8.5
As soon as the tracks lead to such a place, don’t go near, or she will move off, but go round and explore.The object is to make sure whether the track really does end there or not. If it does, he is to go on to seek another hare. My father used to relate that in his student days an old forester on his brother-in-law’s estate, when he wanted to make sure of supplying a hare for his master’s visitors, would surround the hare’s form in the early morning, and the hare would not leave her form for hours. A. Korte (Hermes, 1918, p. 317). For she is probably there, and there will be no doubt about the matter, since the tracks will nowhere run out from such places.
8.6
As soon as it is evident that she is there, leave her—for she will not stir—and look for another before the tracks become obscure, and take care, in case you find others, that you will have enough daylight left to surround them with nets.
